Parents

Medical Care and Your 1- to 3-Month-Old

During these early months, you may have many questions about your baby's health. Most doctors have phone hours when you can call with routine questions, so don't hesitate to call with your concerns, no matter how small they may seem.

Of course, if you suspect illness, don't wait for phone hours — call your doctor immediately. As in the newborn period, illness at this age requires immediate attention.

How often you see the doctor in the first 2 months will depend on your baby’s health and family needs, but most infants will be seen by 1 month and again at 2 months for routine care.

Babies this age are seen regularly to assess growth, development, and feeding, among other things. These regular checkups also let your doctor follow up on any concerns from previous checkups and are a chance for you to ask questions about your baby's health or behavior.

What Happens at the Office Visit

During these early months, your doctor will check your baby's progress and growth. Common parts of a checkup include:

weight, length, and head circumference measurements that are plotted on your baby's growth chart

a physical exam with special attention to any previous problems

assessment of development (for example, head control, cooing, and smiling)

questions about how you are doing with your baby

advice about feeding and other aspects of nutrition

what to expect during the coming months, including a discussion about safety precautions

Babies at high risk of developing a meningococcal disease, which can lead to bacterial meningitis and other serious conditions, may receive the meningococcal vaccine. (Otherwise, the meningococcal vaccine is routinely given at 11-12 years old.)

Vaccines protect against serious childhood illnesses. Vaccines, like any other medicine, may cause reactions (usually mild), such as fever or irritability. Be sure to discuss side effects with your doctor and get guidelines for when to call the office.

When to Call the Doctor

Some common medical problems at this age may need a doctor's attention, including:

diarrhea and vomiting, which could be caused by an infection and put your infant at risk for dehydration

ear infections. A baby with an ear infection may become irritable, and may or may not have a fever.

rashes, which are common in infants. Some may not seem to bother your baby, but skin conditions like eczema can result in dry, itchy skin. Your doctor can recommend which lotions, creams, and soaps to use.

upper respiratory tract infections (including the common cold), which affect infants just like the rest of us. Since babies can't blow their own noses, you may need to help clear mucus with a rubber bulb aspirator. Don't give your baby any medications without checking first with your doctor. Call the pediatrician's office immediately if baby has difficulty breathing, refuses to eat, has a rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38°C), or is excessively cranky or sleepy.

Again, don't hesitate to contact the doctor's office about any health or behavior concerns.